A57970:289
Joshua Redivivus, or Mr. Rutherford's Letters
Joshua redivivus, or, Mr. Rutherford's letters divided into two parts, the first, containing these which were written from Aberdeen, where he was confined by a sentence of the high commission ... partly on account of his non-conformance : the second, containing some which were written from Anwoth ... / now published for the use of all the people of God ... by a well-wisher to the work & people of God.Joshua redivivus, or, Mr. Rutherfoord's letters divided into two parts, the first, containing these which were written from Aberdeen, where he was confined by a sentence of the high commission ... partly on account of his non-conformance : the second, containing some which were written from Anwoth ... / now published for the use of all the people of God ... by a wellwisher to the work & people of God.
Rotterdam? : s.n., 1664
Part 1 › Letter 43: To the much honoured JOHN OSBURN, Provest of Ayr. (43).
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
To the much honoured JOHN OSBURN, Provest of Ayr. (43).
Much honoured Sir,
Grace mercy, & peace be to you; Upon our small acquaintance & the good report I hear of you, I could not but write to you: I have nothing to say, but Christ in that honourable place lie hath put you in, hath entrusted you with a dear pledge which is his own glory; & hath armed you with his sword to keep the pledge & make a good account of it to God. Be not afraid of me. Your master can mow down his enemies & make with red hay of fair flowers. your time will not be long; after your after[…] will come your evening, & after evening night: serve Christ, back him, let his cause be your cause; give not an hair breadth of […] away, for it is not yours but God's: then, since ⟨p. 100⟩ye are going take Christ's t••ti•cat with you out of this life, Well done good & faithful servant. His well done is worth a shipful of Good-days & earthly honours. I have cause to say this, because I find him truth it self: In my sad days, Christ laugheth cheerfully & saith, All will be well. Would to God, all this Kingdom, & ye, & all that know God, knew, what is betwixt me & Christ in this prison, what kisses, embracements, & love-communings: I take his cross in my arms with joy, I bless it, I rejoice in it: suffering for Christ is my garland; I would not exchange Christ for ten thousand worlds; nay [if the comparison could stand] I would not exchange Christ with heaven. Sir, pray for me, & the prayers & blessing of a prisoner of Christ meet you in all your straits. Grace be with you.